By Shawn Digity

March 21, 2020 - Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced an update on Wednesday that coal mining operations will be allowed to stay open during the coronavirus pandemic.

Wolf made a mandate on Thursday that shut down businesses that weren’t deemed to be non-life sustaining.

The coal mining industry initially fell into the non-necessary category and would’ve been closed down.

There has since been a reversal on that decision and the mining companies will now remain open.

State Rep. Pam Snyder had this to say about the change of heart on the coal mining closure: 

“It’s imperative that our coal operations continue – they are a vital part of keeping our energy grid running as it should, especially during this current pandemic situation,” Snyder said. “I applaud Governor Wolf and members of his team who have been willing to work with us to keep these and other vital energy-producing businesses fully operational. To shut down operations, even temporarily, would be devastating on so many levels, and I am thankful that a shutdown isn’t happening.”